Following the successful execution of the the mandate to actualize a vision for African trade where there’s free movement of made in Africa goods and services across the African continent culminating to the Nigerian launch and inaugural shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, GTI in Lagos two days ago, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the transformation of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA to the National Coordination Office with authority to effectively deliver on the desired outcome.
The Coordinator, Nigerian AfCFTA Coordination Office, Mr. Segun Awolowo who disclosed this at the Nigerian launch and inaugural shipment under the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA Guided Trade Initiative, GTI in Lagos, stated that with the official launch, the Committee transitioned from planning for trade under the agreement to actively enabling the businesses to trade and win.
Awolowo observed that the development sets the stage for a new era of trade and prosperity for the country under the African Continental Free Trade Area. “It is therefore, with great appreciation to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, that we can announce the gracious approval to transform the National Action Committee on AfCFTA to the Nigerian AfCFTA Coordination Office with authority to effectively deliver on the desired outcome.
“Our journey to this day go long as one characterized by extensive stakeholders engagement and collaboration between the public sector and the private sector. Both sectors worked to articulate and develop the vision and framework for our national participation that will ensure trade under the agreement for Nigerian businesses. For this, I will once again want to express my deepest appreciation to His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and he is here ably represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, His Excellency, Senator George Akume.
“We thank Senator Akume for the support we have received from his office and his willingness to participate in this symbolic event and particularly representing the President.
“Success in our national positioning under AfCFTA would provide a fillip to our aspirations for the industrialization and diversification of our economy, attracting the much needed participation and investment capital to drive development upheavals under the Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration.
“We recognized the effective engagement and participation of some national governments and we know they will be crucial to achieving our aspiration for regional industrialization. Each state must leverage on their own comparative advantages towards the goal of over 50 billion dollars in intra-Africa trade under the AfCFTA.
“An African adage says that it takes a village to train a child, it therefore suggests that it takes a community of stakeholders working together with the single goal to ensure a child is able to mature and grow to adulthood. This is no less true concerning the AfCFTA and more specifically, Nigerian success within the agreement. It requires the collaborative participation of a multitude of stakeholders across several sectors and levels of engagement to ensure this goal is achieved.
“It is with this in mind that I ask you to indulge me as I highlight some of the key stakeholders and express my gratitude to some members of the steering Committee of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA. Let me express my gratitude to the private sector who has taken this agreement as their own. Our partnership with you is very key to the active support through the various work streams and you have ensured the readiness interventions for our national AfCFTA strategy are adequately represented the appreciation of membership
“To members of the diplomatic corps particularly the Ambassadors of Cameroon, Kenya, Algeria, Uganda and Egypt where our first set of goods will be going. I say thank you. Your support has been crucial to us achieving this feat”, he said.
On her part, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite pointed out that the approval for the transformation of the National Action Committee on AfCFTA to Nigerian AfCFTA Coordination Office by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was a manifestation of his unwavering believe in the economic prosperity of the Nigerian people under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“This new office is positioned to serve as a central hub Coordinating our efforts to maximize the benefits of AfCFTA, ensuring that we leveraged every opportunity for the betterment of our nation”, the Minister said.
She urged all business owners to take full advantage of this agreement to expand their horizons, seek new markets and innovate relentlessly. “The opportunities are so vast and the potential for growth is limitless. This administration stands firmly behind you, committed to providing robust economic policies and a conducive environment for your success.
“We are dedicated to ensuring that the benefits of AfCFTA are realized by all, driving inclusive growth and shared prosperity. So, as your Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment and Chairman of the National Coordination Office, I assure you of my commitment to ensuring that Nigeria fully leverages the benefit of AfCFTA. This requires a concerted efforts from all stakeholders including government agencies, private sector participants and development partners. By working together, we can create an enabling environment that fosters innovation, competitiveness and resilience.
“Your Excellencies and distinguished participants, today is a celebration of progress and renewed hope for Nigerians and Africa as a whole. As we embrace this historic opportunity with a united front, I urge to join hands and work together to make implementation of AfCFTA a success for our people. Let us seize this moment to harness the opportunity before us and build a future of shared prosperity for Nigeria and the entire African continent.
“Today represents what AfCFTA stands for, the ability of our people to trade among themselves. We are all one under the African continent and the African sun. So, today, I am very happy to be here to witness this occasion and I am also happy to see everyone who has come here to witness this historic event.
“Let me conclude by encouraging all Nigerian businesses to actively engage with the Guided Trade Initiative and seize the opportunities presented by AfCFTA, together we can unlock new markets and enhance our industrial capabilities and propel Nigeria towards a more brighter and prosperous future”, concluded.
Photo: Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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